Traveling to Budapest

Transportation costs to/from Budapest are not included in the BSME tuition.

Visa / Residence Permit

US and Canadian students will not need a visa or a residence permit, since their stay in Hungary will be less than 90 days. International students must check with their home country consulates for the most current and accurate information. Please read the information provided in this link for more details.

What to Bring

Carry on baggage:

  • Passport (and a photocopy to keep in a safe place in case you lose your passport)
  • Airline or train ticket
  • Prescription medications you use with a doctor’s note that you need those medications
  • Health insurance card
  • Major credit card
  • Official letter of acceptance on BSME letterhead
  • BSME emergency number: +36 20 628 5562
  • Proof of Covid immunization
  • Some USD cash (just in case)
  • If you bring HUF with you, keep that in your carry on bag, too
  • Laptop (if you already own one)
  • Phone and charger
  • Adapter (Hungary uses the Type F electrical plug)
  • Empty water bottle (fill at the gate)
  • Anything you need during your flight
  • Anything you absolutely need for the first night, in case your baggage is delayed, including essential medications and toiletries (be aware of the airline’s security policy on liquids and sharp objects)

Checked baggage: You can also buy any of theses items in Hungary.

  • Essential non-prescription medication
  • Clothes you usually wear
    • not too many, as you will do laundry
    • there are no dryers, so clothes will take a day to hang dry
    • no need for fancy clothes
  • Towel (for the camp)
  • Bathing suit
  • Rain jacket, possibly rain boots
  • Walking sneakers
  • Toiletries: a survival pack

No need to bring:

  • Bed-linen (provided)
  • Notebooks (buy in Hungary)

A checked baggage may be placed on the wrong flight. Make sure your baggage is labeled inside and out with your final destination:

College International
1071 Budapest
Bethlen Gábor tér 2
Hungary

Enroll in STEP

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service of the US Department of State that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By enrolling in STEP you will:

  • Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
  • Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
  • Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

Each BSME student is responsible for enrolling themselves with STEP. Remember to update your information on STEP whenever you leave Hungary on excursions during your BSME term.

Arrival

At the Budapest Airport:

  1. Collect your luggage.
  2. Clear customs if needed.
  3. Show your passport and supporting documents when asked.
  4. Follow the Exit signs to the waiting room area, and look for the BSME representative holding up a “Budapest Semesters” sign. Note: Due to heavy traffic or some other unexpected events, the representative may be 10 – 15 minutes late. We ask you to be patient and stay at the airport. If the representative is not there within 15 minutes, call the BSME emergency number +36 20 628 5562. Also, please get on the Wi-Fi at the airport, so we can notify you by email if something unexpected occurs.

If you arrive by train or bus, the BSME representative will meet you at the station.

Personal Orientation

The BSME representative will accompany you to your residence in Budapest. They will give you a personal orientation of your “environment,” including your new neighborhood and how it works—i.e., where to catch public transportation and how to use it; where the food stores in your area are located; and to mark a route on your map of how to get from your residence to the BSME Building. They will give you a welcome package including a survival guide and a map.